Journal of Groundwater Science and Engineering

Impact of Cr(III) complexation with organic acid on its adsorption in silts and fine sands

Zi-xuan Zhang, Lin Wu, Xiang-ke Kong, Hui Li, Le Song, Ping Wang, Yan-yan Wang

2024, 12(4): 347-359. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280026

Abstract(55) FullText HTML (29) PDF(17)

Abstract:
Trivalent chromium (Cr(III)) can form stable soluble complexes with organic components, altering its adsorption properties in the water-soil environment. This increases the risk of Cr(III) migrating to deeper soils and transforming into toxic Cr(VI) due to the presence of manganese oxides in sediments. In this study, Citric Acid (CA) was selected as a representative organic ligand to prepare and characterize Cr(III)-CA complexes. The characteristics, mechanisms and environmental factors influencing the adsorption of Cr(III)-CA on porous media (silts and fine sands) were investigated in the study. The results show that Cr(III) coordinates with CA at a 1:1 molar ratio, forming stable and soluble Cr(III)-CA complexes. Compared to Cr(III) ions, the equilibrium adsorption capacity of Cr(III)-CA is an order of magnitude lower in silts and fine sands. The adsorption of Cr(III)-CA in silts and fine sands is dominated by chemical adsorption of monolayers, following the pseudo-second-order kinetic equation and the Langmuir isotherm adsorption model. Varying contents of clay minerals and iron-aluminum oxides prove to be the main causes of differences in adsorption capacity of Cr(III)-CA in silts and fine sands. Changes in solution pH affect the adsorption rate and capacity of Cr(III)-CA by altering its ionic form. The adsorption process is irreversible and only minimally influenced by ionic strength, suggesting that inner-sphere complexation serves as the dominant Cr(III)-CA adsorption mechanism.

Morphometric analysis and hydrological implications of the Himalayan River Basin, Goriganga, India, using Remote Sensing and GIS techniques

Parvaiz Ahmad Ganie, Ravindra Posti, Garima, Kishor Kunal, Nityanand Pandey, Pramod Kumar Pandey

2024, 12(4): 360-386. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280028

Abstract(64) FullText HTML (38) PDF(14)

Abstract:
The application of Geographic Information System (GIS) methodologies offers valuable insights into the hydrological behaviour of watersheds through the analysis of their morphometric attributes. This study focuses on the Goriganga River, a major tributary of the Ganga River system, by conducting a detailed morphometric analysis using Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) imagery with 30 m resolution, alongside survey of India topographic sheets. Thirty-two watersheds within the river basin were delineated to calculate linear, areal, and relief morphometric parameters, covering a total drainage area of 2,183.11 km². The drainage pattern, primarily dendritic to sub-dendritic, is shaped by the region's topography, geological structure, and precipitation patterns. Classified as a 6^th-order basin, the drainage density ranges from 1.21 km/km² to 1.96 km/km², underlining the significant influence of the regional physiography and lithological composition on the stream ordering. Relief analysis suggests the basin is in an early developmental stage, characterised by varying slope gradients and a low to moderate risk of soil erosion. The basin's hydrogeology is complex, with aquifer distribution primarily governed by lithological factors. Limestone, due to its high permeability and karst features, forms the principal aquifer, although it is susceptible to contamination. In contrast, groundwater potential in the Basement Gneissic Complex and Schist regions is limited to structurally controlled zones, while shale acts as an aquitard. The basin's heterogeneous aquifer characteristics emphasize the need for localized groundwater management strategies tailored to specific lithological units. The integration of remote sensing and GIS techniques effectively delineates the basin's morphometric and hydrogeological characteristics, providing critical information for the development of sustainable water resource management strategies.

Assessing the potential of underground storage of flood water: A case study from Southern Punjab Region in Pakistan

Ghulam Zakir-Hassan, Jehangir F Punthakey, Ghulam Shabir, Faiz Raza Hassan

2024, 12(4): 387-396. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280029

Abstract(90) FullText HTML (16) PDF(40)

Abstract:
An intensively irrigated area in southern part of Punjab Province, Pakistan, has been selected by the Punjab Irrigation Department (PID) to implement a Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) project. This project involves diverting floodwater from the Islam Headwork on Sutlej River into the abandoned Mailsi Canal. Utilizing various structures such as depressions, abandoned canals, flood channels, open fields, and deserts for MAR can reduce the flood intensity while recharging aquifer and wetlands. The study area, known for its fertile lands and serving as a food basket for the Punjab Province, is experiencing groundwater depletion at the rate of 0.30 m to 0.70 m per year, significantly increasing pumping costs. This study aims to evaluate the suitability of the sites for the MAR project and assess the storage capacity of the aquifer for floodwater retention. Historical groundwater level data from 25 observation wells across an area of 1,522 km² were analysed, with the study area divided in to 25 polygons using ArcMap10.6 software. Specific yield method was employed to assess the available storage capacity of the aquifer. Results indicate that the site is suitable for MAR and has the potential to store approximately 1.88 km³ of floodwater as of 2020, thereby reducing flood intensity and enhancing eco-hydrogeological conditions. MAR is identified as a Nature-Based Solution (NBS) for both flood mitigation and groundwater sustainability.

Groundwater quality assessment for drinking and irrigation purposes in Boumerdes Region, Algeria

Djafer Khodja Hakim, Aichour Amina, Metaiche Mehdi, Ferhati Ahmed

2024, 12(4): 397-410. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280030

Abstract(48) FullText HTML (22) PDF(13)

Abstract:
In Algeria, water is a critically limited resource. Rapid demographic, urban and economic development has significantly increased water demand, the particularly for drinking water supply and agriculture. Groundwater serves as the primary source of water in the Boumerdes Region, located in northern Algeria, Therefore evaluating groundwater quality for water supply and irrigation purposes is very crucial. In this study, 49 groundwater samples were collected in 2021 and analyzed based on 17 physicochemical parameters. These results were processed using multivariate analysis and compared against the standards established by both the World Health Organization and Algerian Standards. The findings revealed that the concentrations of Sodium, Calcium, Magnesium, and Nitrate of some samples exceeded acceptable limits, indicating that physicochemical treatment is necessary before use for drinking water supply. For irrigation suitability, several indices were employed, including Sodium Adsorption Rate (SAR), Wilcox diagram, Magnesium Absorption Ratio (MAR), Residual Sodium Bicarbonate (RSB), Permeability Index (PI) and Stuyfzand Index. The results of these indices show that groundwater in the region generally meets irrigation standards with a low risk. However, the groundwater should still be managed carefully to prevent salinity-related issues. This study highlights the current status of groundwater quality the Boumerdes region and offers important insights for the sustainable management of water resources in the area.

Development, hotspots and trend directions of groundwater numerical simulation: A bibliometric and visualization analysis

Liu Yang, Yan-pei Cheng, Xue-ru Wen, Jun Liu

2024, 12(4): 411-427. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280031

Abstract(42) FullText HTML (19) PDF(7)

Abstract:
Groundwater is a vital component of the hydrological cycle and essential for the sustainable development of ecosystems. Numerical simulation methods are key tools for addressing scientific challenges in groundwater research. This study uses bibliometric visualization analysis to examine the progress and trends in groundwater numerical simulation methods. By analyzing literature indexed in the Web of Science database from January 1990 to February 2023, and employing tools such as Citespace and VOSviewer, we assessed publication volume, research institutions and their collaborations, prolific scholars, keyword clustering, and emerging trends. The findings indicate an overall upward trend in both the number of publications and citations concerning groundwater numerical simulations. Since 2010, the number of publications has tripled compared to the total before 2010, underscoring the increasing significance and potential of numerical simulation methods in groundwater science. China, in particular, has shown remarkable growth in this field over the past decade, surpassing the United States, Canada, and Germany. This progress is closely linked to strong national support and active participation from research institutions, especially the contributions from teams at Hohai University, China University of Geosciences, and the University of Science and Technology of China. Collaboration between research teams is primarily seen between China and the United States, with less noticeable cooperation among other countries, resulting in a diverse and dispersed development pattern. Keyword analysis highlights that international research hotspots include groundwater recharge, karst water, geothermal water migration, seawater intrusion, variable density flow, contaminant and solute transport, pollution remediation, and land subsidence. Looking ahead, groundwater numerical simulations are expected to play a more prominent role in areas such as climate change, surface water-groundwater interactions, the impact of groundwater nitrates on the environment and health, submarine groundwater discharge, ecological water use, groundwater management, and risk prevention.

Conventional and futuristic approaches for the computation of groundwater recharge: A comprehensive review

Shamla Rasheed, Marykutty Abraham

2024, 12(4): 428-452. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280027

Abstract(42) FullText HTML (20) PDF(9)

Abstract:
Groundwater recharge is a critical hydrologic component that determines groundwater availability and sustainability. Groundwater recharge estimation can be performed in a variety of ways, ranging from direct procedures to simulation models. The optimal strategy for recharge estimation depends on several factors, such as study objectives, climatic zones, hydrogeological conditions, data availability, methodology, and temporal and spatial constraints. Groundwater recharge is influenced by uncertainties in weather and hydrology. This study discusses conventional recharge estimation techniques and their application for optimal recharge calculation, and it also offers an overview of recent advances in recharge estimation methods. Most methods provide direct or indirect estimation of recharge across a small region on a point scale for a shorter time. With recent technological advancements and increased data availability, several advanced computational tools, including numerical, empirical, and artificial intelligence models, have been developed for efficient and reliable computation of groundwater recharge. This review article provides a thorough discussion of the techniques, assumptions, advantages, limitations, and selection procedures for estimating groundwater recharge.

Groundwater level thresholds for maintaining groundwater-dependent ecosystems in northwest China: Current developments and future challenges

Ming-yang Li, Chao-zhu Li, Feng Dong, Peng Jiang, Yong-qiang Li

2024, 12(4): 453-462. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280032

Abstract(26) FullText HTML (13) PDF(6)

Abstract:
Groundwater-Dependent Ecosystems (GDEs) in the arid region of northwest China are crucial for maintaining ecological balance and biodiversity. However, the ongoing decline in groundwater levels caused by excessive groundwater exploitation poses a potential threat to GDEs. This paper reviews the current developments and future challenges associated with defining groundwater level thresholds for maintaining GDEs in arid regions. It focuses on methods for identifying and investigating these thresholds, with particular attention to recent advances in northwest China. Additionally, this paper highlights the limitations and future challenges in determining these thresholds, including the complexities of ecological processes, groundwater systems, data availability, and methodological constraints. To address these issues, a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates new technologies, such as multi-source data fusion, machine learning models, and big data and cloud computing, will be essential. By overcoming these challenges and utilizing effective methods, appropriate groundwater level thresholds can be established to ensure the long-term sustainability of GDEs.

Critical issues in the characteristics and assessment of China's water resources

Yu-hong Fei, Su-hua Meng, Ya-song Li, Peng-wei Zhang, Xi-lin Bao

2024, 12(4): 463-474. doi: 10.26599/JGSE.2024.9280033

Abstract(24) FullText HTML (11) PDF(6)

Abstract:
This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the concepts and assessment processes of water resources in China, focusing on the characteristics of water resources and variations in water cycle fluxes. It reveals that the distribution of water resources in China is uneven, with more south and less north, and human activities have led to a decline in water resources, particularly in northern arid and semi-arid regions. Further analysis shows that duplicated measurements of surface water and groundwater significantly affect water balance calculation and water resource assessments, serving as a crucial factor guiding water resource development and utilization. The study also finds that consistency correction of runoff series is insufficient to meet the requirements of accurate water resource assessment. It is urgent to strengthen fundamental research in hydrology and hydrogeology, and to establish a dynamic assessment system for the efficient management and rational use of surface water and groundwater in the current changing environment.

Current Issue
2024 Vol. 12, No. 4

NewsMORE+

DownloadMORE+

Top ViewedMORE+

Top DownloadedMORE+

LinksMORE+

Share Article